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Yoga & Watercolour Painting Holiday

Highlights

  • Unwind and relax during yoga sessions set amongst magnificent countryside
  • Enjoy small group watercolour sessions (2) with your local tutor
  • Explore the stunning rural area or venture into magical Rome in your free time
from £866 pp
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What you'll do

Overview

Combine relaxing yoga with painting lessons on this unique 4 night yoga and watercolour painting holiday in Italy; stay in a traditional medieval village house in the pretty walled village of Casperia, just 1 hour north of Rome, and paint the beauty of the surrounding Sabina hills.

Slow down to the pace of Italian village life on this unique watercolour painting and yoga holiday.  Your  4 night / 5 day holiday begins on Monday and ends on Friday. Stay in the peaceful medieval walled village of Casperia, just 1 hour north of Rome surrounded by fields of sunflowers, distant mountains and tiny farm houses, and combine yoga and painting in watercolour for a holiday with a difference.

Practice yoga each morning in a fun and friendly environment and unwind, relax, and physically, mentally and spiritually recharge during your stay in this magical place.

During the week on this painting holiday, you and your group will head outdoors to Casperia’s streets, piazzas and beautiful scenic surroundings in and around the town walls, with your painting tutor Giovanna Somai. You’ll learn all about watercolour painting from the basics of colour blending to the more complicated techniques of shading, by painting this town so steeped in history. Watercolour painting is taught in a small group to allow maximum attention. It is included in the price once however, you can add extra sessions on.

Enjoy the flexibility of a yoga holiday that gives you plenty of free time to simply relax, enjoy a range of holistic therapies and spa treatments offered at the retreat or get more active and try cycling, walking, visits to the hot springs, sightseeing in Rome and much more.

Stay in a traditional medieval village house inside the walls of Casperia just a few minutes walk from the yoga retreat. You will have your own private room and each house has a full-equipped kitchen and terrace offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Relax and recharge mind, body and soul on this yoga holiday in Italy with a difference.

This holiday starts on Mondays in June, July, August and September 2023

Arrival

Arrive in Casperia, settle in to your accommodation and meet your fellow yogis during a welcome aperitivo.

Where will I be staying?

Your base will be in a beautiful historic property, the Forani palace, which was the once the home of the Count and Countess of Casperia. It is  a restored Italian palazzo set in its own grounds and gardens, furnished in the classic ‘Italianate’ style with the antiques and decor of a noble family home. There are 6 twin bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms (which can be booked for sole occupancy) and the accommodation has a kitchen for self-catering.
The Palace has breath-taking panoramic views and is just a two minute walk from the Yoga studio and deck, breakfast area, Spa facilities, the cafes and local shops in the village of Casperia

There is an off-site outdoor private swimming pool available exclusively for guests just a 10 minute walk from the yoga retreat or a short cycle ride away, set in the Casperia countryside surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills (the pool is open from May-October, weather permitting)

Breakfast
– Breakfast is included each morning and is taken at the lounge-café which is run by local Italians at the yoga retreat
– Breakfast is a buffet style which consists of fresh fruit and vegetable juices and organic produce
– Special diets will be considered with advance notice, but please bear in mind that in a small Italian village, specialist ingredients (dairy/wheat/vegetarian cheese replacements for example) are not readily available

Lunch(extra cost)
– Guests usually prepare their own lunches at home, or can take lunch in one of Casperia’s restaurants
– Each of accommodation type has a terrace or balcony, so you can enjoy a delicious lunch of Italian food in the sunshine and fresh air

Dinner:

Evening meals are provided on three of the nights, and one evening is free for you to discover the eateries in the nearby area.
– Full meals, snacks and pizza are available in local cafés, bars and restaurants and the village shops have a range of local food and drinks for guests who wish to prepare meals at home
– The retreat can also organise transport to authentic local Italian restaurants and folklore festivals in neighbouring hilltop villages or the countryside, where delicious traditional specialities of vegetarian or non-vegetarian dishes can be enjoyed
– A small fee (per person) is charged for transport to and from these venues and remember, all our accommodations have fully equipped kitchens for those who want to sample some home cooking at any time.

 

Typical Itinerary

The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the group’s needs and wishes but is typically as follows:
– You will have 1.5 hours of yoga practice on three mornings
– Yoga starts around 8.30am or 9am each morning depending on the time of year
– After your yoga practice, you’ll be served a healthy and delicious breakfast of fresh fruits, cheeses, hams, cereals, breads, yoghurt, fresh coffee, tea and juices and more
– Over breakfast you’ll be given information on what treatments, therapies and activities are planned for the day and have the chance to book these
– All activities and treatments are an extra cost and are paid for locally at the end of your stay
– On one afternoons during the week you will have a Yin restorative and meditation class
– Twice during the week you’ll head off into the surrounding area of the glorious Sabina Hills to discover and immerse yourself into the idyllic countryside through watercolour
– Please note that the exact timings of your afternoon yoga and painting lessons will be confirmed on arrival and painting classes are taught in small groups
– Please note that in the unlikely event that the weather is not be suitable for painting outdoors, your lesson will be arranged or suitable arrangements will be arranged to hold the lessons inside

Departure

Prepare to head home, relaxed and rejuvenated

A shuttle service to Poggio Mirteto station is provided at 09.00 on departure day

What's included

Included

  • 4 nights accommodation (various room types available - please see booking page for details)
  • Three 90-minute morning yoga classes
  • A 60-minute afternoon Yin restorative and meditation class
  • Two x 2-hour group watercolour painting lessons during the week (the exact days and times will be arranged on arrival)
  • All watercolour painting material needed for your lessons; (paper, colours and brushes)
  • Yoga mat
  • Daily buffet breakfasts and three evening meals
  • Use of our private swimming pool
  • Excursion to the Sulphur water Therme & hot springs
  • A guided walk in the Sabina mountains
  • All-week use of bicycles to explore the local area
  • Fresh linen & towels with a midweek change of towels and room clean
  • Wine & Olive oil tasting experience
  • Check in anytime after 11am on day 1 and check out by 10am on day 5
  • A shuttle service to Poggio Mirteto station at 09.00 on departure day
Your local host

Lucy and Alan

Eco-tourism is at the forefront of Lucy and Alan’s vision for their retreats in Italy and Costa Rica and they work in harmony with locals supporting organic methods of farming, protecting local fauna and flora.

Lucy, your host and yoga teacher, is not only highly qualified and experienced, but approaches yoga with an infectious passion for inner peace and spiritual development. Her global travels have lent great insight to her lifestyle and teaching methods. She will guide through every step of the rejuvenating and uplifting experience.

Eco-tourism is at the forefront of Lucy and Alan’s vision for their retreats in Italy and Costa Rica and they work in harmony with locals supporting organic methods of farming, protecting local fauna and flora.

Lucy, your host and yoga teacher, is not only highly qualified and experienced, but approaches yoga with an infectious passion for inner peace and spiritual development. Her global travels have lent great insight to her lifestyle and teaching methods. She will guide through every step of the rejuvenating and uplifting experience.

Lucy and Alan image
Sustainability Efforts

What Sustainability Efforts are we Taking?

At Not in the Guidebooks we’re committed to empowering the local communities in Costa Rica. We work closely with the local people and their businesses to make sure that they receive a fair percentage of the money you spend on your holiday there. By partnering with local guides and suppliers, we’re able to create meaningful, authentic experiences that directly benefit the people who call this incredible country home.

Learn More

Location

With nearly 20 years’ experience offering yoga holidays, this yoga retreat bases its holidays around health and relaxation, good food, Italian culture, eco-tourism and nature. Located just an hour north of Rome in the beautiful pedestrian village of Casperia in the Sabina Hills, there’s no better place in which to enjoy a yoga holiday with a difference.

Getting there

Please note that prices for the holidays do not include flights. We recommend using www.skyscanner.net to check flights.

Nearest airport:
Rome (90 minutes away)

Note: Rome has 2 airports – Ciampino and Leonardo Da Vinci Fiumicino

Approximate distance:
Casperia is located about 2 hours from the centre of Rome and 90 minutes on the train from both of Rome’s international airports.

A comprehensive guide will be sent to you post-booking which covers all instructions and times.

Car hire:
We don’t recommend car hire as Casperia is a car free village.

What our travellers are saying...

We visited sunflower retreat in Casperia in September 2020, and it was an amazing experience. Allan and Lucy are the nicest people and we felt extremely welcome and taken care of. The surroundings of Casperia were so beautiful and Casperia is a very charming and old village with an amazing view and sunset! The restaurants in town serve delicious food. We had a holistic treatment including massage and it was wonderful and relaxing. The yoga teache

Ida and Hannah

The staff were brilliant! The location was stunning and the yoga was nourishing and rejuvenating. Even the locals went out of their way to make sure you have a good time. Highly recommend the retreat for anyone looking for a yoga holiday with a difference!

Marg

FAQs

Who is this holiday suitable for?

- Yoga holidays are suitable for all levels from complete beginners to advanced yogis
- Watercolour painting lessons are suitable for all levels from complete beginners to enthusiastic artists as lessons are in small groups
- Minimum age 16 (if you are under 18 you must be accompanied by an adult)
- Both yoga and water colouring lessons will be taken in English and Italian

When can I start?

- All arrivals are on Mondays from May to October
- All departures are Fridays

About the yoga retreat in Casperia

- Weather permitting, the majority of yoga lessons will take place in a stunning hilltop location surrounded by nature on an outdoor platform surrounded by an oasis of green inside the village walls
- The yoga retreat also has a purpose built indoor yoga studio with fresh spring water and a bathroom made from an underground cave
- All staff are highly qualified with a wealth of experience, teaching beginners to advanced yogis

About your painting tutor

- Group watercolour painting lessons are with Giovanna Somai; a local artist and interior decorator who speaks English
- Giovanna teaches you in her own unique style and helps you to develop your watercolour paintings during the course of your stay
- Classes are suitable for all levels and Giovanna will adapt the lessons to match your level of experience so that you make the most progress with your painting during your group classes

What should I bring?

- Please bring comfortable clothing you can move easily in, for your yoga practice
- It can be hot in the summer months so please bring clothing that will be suitable for practicing in hot weather, if you are travelling in the height of summer
- Also don't forget your mosquito spray for the hotter months
- Yoga mats are provided
- Please bring pool towels, otherwise there is a rental fee

Watercolour painting
- You will have the opportunity to paint landscapes, buildings in and around Casperia and still life, either focusing on one or many different pieces
- You will learn the basics of perspective, colour mixing, light and shade and how light can affect your work along with other techniques
- The aim of the course is to encourage your creative technique by explaining the fundamentals of painting in watercolour to those who are novices, or for those more advanced artists, by improving your painting technique in watercolour
- You’ll achieve the confidence to continue and develop your skills whatever your level, and take this away with you with your paintbrush tucked behind your ear, hopefully inspired to carry on when you return home
- You'll meet other budding artists in your group who might teach you some next techniques too!

Treatments and holistic therapies

- Each morning after breakfast you can book a treatment or holistic therapy from the wide range on offer
- Choose from massages, facials, acupressure hopi candles, reiki, hot stone therapy, reflexology and more
- All treatments are paid for locally and prices range from 30 Euros to 100 Euros per session, depending on your choice of treatment and duration
- There is also a Finnish ‘sweat room’ sauna at the Casa Latini accommodation which guests can use where you can relax and revitalise; the cost of the sauna session is 10 Euros

Optional activities & excursions

- During your free time enjoy the hospitality of the picturesque town of Casperia, wander through its myriad of cobbled streets to discover local shops, cafes and stop for a cappuccino and drink in the view
- The retreat also offer a huge range of optional activities and excursions you can choose to join during your stay
- Please note you can only book these activities during your stay, activities are subject to availability and subject to minimum numbers, and prices are for guideline only:
- Horse riding – from 40 Euros
- Guided Sabina mountain walk offered every Sunday – free of charge
- Cycling – from 40 Euros
- Salsa dancing – from 15 Euros
- Watercolour painting – from 70 Euros
- Italian language classes – from 35 Euros per hour
- Creative writing courses (not July & Aug) – from 50 Euros
- Cooking class and dinner - from 90 Euros
- Access to the swimming pool
- Excursions to Orvieto, Assisi, thermal baths, Saint Francis’ hermitage and nature sites can be organised upon arrival – prices range from 6 Euros - 60 Euros per person
- Full information and pricing for these activities will be provided to you upon arrival at the retreat

Off-site swimming pool

- An open-air private swimming pool is also available exclusively for guests just a 10 minute walk from the yoga retreat or a short cycle ride away
- The swimming pool is set in the Casperia countryside surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills
- The pool is open from May-October
- Please note the opening of pool depends on the weather before June, therefore it is not always open

Thermal baths and springs excursion

- Guests can enjoy swimming all year round in the thermal baths at Viterbo and also in the hot springs
- You can also visit the wild hot sulphur springs situated in their natural environment in open fields; here you can bathe in the sulphur-rich organic mud used in rehabilitative treatments, beauty masks and wraps
- The thermal baths and the hot springs are quiet, perfect places to relax, unwind and feel the tension, toxins, aches and pains being released from your body, please remember to pack flip-flops and a towel, or towelling dressing gown, for this excursion
- The yoga retreat run an excursion to the sulphur water baths and wild hot springs on either Wednesday or Thursday after your morning yoga and breakfast
- The excursion runs from 12pm to around 5pm
- The cost of the excursion is of 40 Euros per person
- Included in the 40 Euro price is return transport from the retreat, entrance fee to sulphur water pool and visit to the wild hot springs in the same area
- The journey takes about 50 minutes each way
- If you wish to book this excursion, you can book locally upon arrival to the retreat

Are transfers available?

There is a charge for collection at the local station Poggio mirteto which is currently 10 euro per person or there is the local bus that is free with the train ticket from Rome .
Please see our attached travel page for full details https://www.sunflowerretreats.com/casperia-travel-information.

For airport transfers services the costs are as follows:

Ciampino - 65 euro per person minimum of 2 people - 130 euro for one person - collection services before 10am incur an additional 20 euro

Departure transfer the same cost , however early departures before 8 am cost an additional 20 euro.

Rome FCO: 75 euro per person - minimum of 2 people - 150 euro for one person
Departure transfer cost the same , however early departures before 7am costs an additional 20 euro.

For collection transfers at Rome FCO airport before 9am an additional 30 euro .

Please note we do advise people if possible to get the frequent train from Rome FCO airport to Poggio mirteto .

All charges to be paid locally with cash. There is an ATM in the village of Casperia to withdraw.

Is there WiFi?

WiFi is available in the breakfast area, cafes and treatment area, but not in bedrooms.

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